The King conquers New York -- again!

Yes, I always get myself a little something for Elvis Week.

Cause, well, you know.

This year's item (finally!) arrived today. It's the rereleased 40th anniversary vinyl version of "Elvis As Recorded at Madison Square Garden," taken from the June 10, 1972, evening performance, one of four shows The King performed that summer at MSG, shattering box office records at the time.

Beautifully remastered in the HQ-180 RTI Premium vinyl pressing, the show has never sounded better. It is MUCH livelier than the original release, which failed to capture the excitement of the quivering crowd.

Elvis and the TCB Band were at the top of their game for The King's first concert appearance in New York since the "Ed Sullivan Show" heyday of the 1950s. This is the best of the officially released live albums from Elvis' 1970s RCA catalogue.

From the bombastic "Also Sprach Zarathustra" straight into a hard-driving "That's All Right" to favorites like "Suspicious Minds" and a funky version of "Hound Dog," you simply can't beat it. If you are a casual fan who only wants one Elvis live album for your collection, this is it.

"Boy, the band was on its toes then and Elvis put so many songs in that set and sounded incredible," says Elvis fan and guitarist extraordinaire Ross Southerland, who knows of what he speaks.

I must also mention the CD rerelease as well because it contains a DVD of rare 8mm footage from this engagement. Don't miss it.

But, when it comes to sound and ambience, as Ross says, "Wax is where it's at, man!"